Views of Traditional Healers on Knowledge, Attitude and Treatment of Cervical Cancer among Women in a Rural Community in Northern Nigeria

Abstract

The study was a community-based, cross-sectional, descriptive study of traditional birth attendants living in a rural community in Kaduna State, Nigeria. The study aimed at exploring the knowledge and practice of traditional healers towards cervical cancer detection and treatment. The population of the study include traditional healers in the State. Qualitative technique using in-depth interview was adopted for data collection. The study took place within the three Senatorial Zones of the State. The results were transcribed, themes and patterns emerged, systematically and critically analyzed and results presented verbatim in quotations. The findings demonstrated that the traditional health practitioners are aware about cervical cancer. This was demonstrated by them naming the disease, mentioning some symptoms of the disease and method of treatment. The findings further showed that traditional healers perform an indispensable role in the delivery of health care, especially in rural areas where access to biomedical care is limited. It was therefore recommended that the traditional healers be well educated about the disease condition, screening methods and collaboration between modern health-care practitioners and traditional healers. Increase knowledge and collaboration may assist in early detection and treatment of cervical cancer and reduce mortality among women due to the disease.